In your answer, it is not necessary to include all points mentioned here. Students are advised to select and organize relevant content based on the provided editorial and the allocated word limit.

Answer Length Guide:

150 words – 10 marker
200–225 words – 15 marker
300 words – 20 marker
350 words – 25 marker
Essay-type answers – 1000 to 1200 words

Past Questions (UPSC Mains)

GS Paper II – International Relations – 2020: “Evaluate India-China relations in the context of border disputes.” This editorial critiques LAC issues.
GS Paper III – Security – 2019: “Discuss the impact of border tensions on national security.” This editorial highlights Galwan’s legacy.

Probable UPSC Mains Questions

GS Paper II – International Relations – Q1: “How can India balance diplomacy and security in China ties?”
GS Paper III – Security – Q2: “Assess the impact of LAC de-escalation failures on India’s security.”
GS Paper I – Indian Society – Q3: “Discuss public perceptions of India-China diplomatic thaw.”
GS Paper IV – Ethics and Human Interface – Q4: “Examine ethical challenges in India-China trust-building.”

Introduction (Sets the context with a striking fact and three sentences to outline the issue, highlight developments, and state significance, ensuring clarity and relevance for high marks.)
The 2020 Galwan clash killed 20 Indian soldiers, rupturing India-China ties. Recent visa resumptions and WMCC talks signal a diplomatic thaw. Yet, unresolved LAC issues and PLA’s Pakistan links hinder trust. Transparency is vital for sustainable bilateral relations.

Keywords / Important Terms (Using technical terms catches the evaluator’s eye, demonstrating precise knowledge and alignment with UPSC’s analytical expectations for top scores.)

Galwan Clash: 2020 LAC violence, 20 Indian deaths.
WMCC: Border affairs consultation mechanism, three 2025 meetings.
Tourist Visas: Resumed for Chinese, July 2025.
Operation Sindoor: Exposed PLA-Pakistan ties, 2024.
Brahmaputra Dam: China’s Tibet project, raises India’s concerns.
Kailash Yatra: Reopened by China, June 2025.
SCO Summit: Modi’s expected visit, August 2025.

Flowchart (Visualizes complex dynamics, enhancing conceptual clarity, which impresses evaluators by showing structured thinking.)

Purpose: Map India-China ties revival.
Triggers: Galwan, Operation Sindoor revelations.
Linkages: Visa, yatra revival → trade talks → LAC resolution.
Outcomes: Trust-building, regional stability, or derailment.

Core Issues / Root Causes (Identifying systemic issues with examples demonstrates depth, critical for scoring high by showcasing analytical rigor.)

LAC Transgression: Unaddressed 2020 PLA actions.
Trust Deficit: No guarantees against future clashes.
Trade Disruptions: ₹1.2 lakh crore tech sector losses.
Geopolitical Tensions: PLA-Pakistan coordination in Sindoor.

Impact Analysis (Multi-dimensional analysis with examples shows comprehensive understanding, boosting marks by addressing diverse aspects.)

Diplomatic: Slow progress risks SCO Summit outcomes.
Economic: Supply chain issues hit tech, auto sectors.
Security: Persistent LAC infrastructure threatens peace.
Social: Public skepticism over China’s intentions grows.
Ethical: Lack of transparency undermines trust.

Government Schemes / Policy Interventions (Linking specific schemes to issues shows policy awareness, earning marks for practical relevance.)

WMCC Framework: Facilitates border dispute talks.
Atmanirbhar Bharat: Counters China’s export restrictions.
MEA Diplomacy: Engages SCO for regional stability.

Way Forward / Solutions (Feasible, structured solutions reflect forward-thinking, impressing evaluators with actionable insights.)

LAC Resolution: Demand PLA withdrawal, pre-2020 patrolling.
Transparent Talks: Address Galwan, Sindoor publicly.
Trade Reforms: Ease Chinese investment curbs selectively.
Strengthen SCO: Use August 2025 Summit for trust-building.
Regional Alliances: Engage Quad to counter China’s influence.

Ethical Dimensions (Highlighting ethical aspects aligns with GS Paper IV, enhancing marks by showing ethical sensitivity.)

Transparency: Disclose LAC violation details.
Accountability: Ensure China addresses Galwan responsibly.

Conclusion (Summarizes key elements, offers a positive, visionary opinion, and reiterates the introduction’s sentiment with a mature, impactful tone for higher scores.)
India-China ties limp forward amid unresolved LAC tensions. Transparent diplomacy and firm security measures can rebuild trust. A stable bilateral relationship ensures regional peace.

Editorials